Phyllis Roberto’s literacy journey is just beginning and there will be much more to come for the long-time Edson resident.

Roberto is one of writers featured in a new book, Ignite Your Life for Women, recently published and now available.

For Roberto it all started when she met J.B. Owen and Rusti Leity at a recent workshop.

“J.B. is the one who put it together. She’s written a number of books herself – she’s a published author,” said Roberto.

“Rusti is a professional editor. They were talking for a number of years [about] doing a collaborative book about women.”

There were a number of women at the workshop who were interested in being a part of a future book so they just figured now was the time, she added.

“Every story is different for each woman,” said Roberto.

Each story averages about 10 pages or less so it’s the kind of book where you can read select chapters at your leisure.

The purpose of the book is to inspire women, said Roberto.

“My particular story is somewhat different from the rest.”

Many women in Ignite Your Life wrote about experiences that shaped them in their childhood – Roberto’s story was about her older sister – Pat Bowman-Ruck.

“I chose to write about what it was like to be with my sister during the last moments of her life,” Roberto said.

“Initially we weren’t aware that it was going to be the last few months of her life [cancer]. She had always been a dynamic, extroverted kind of woman. The defining moment was when I realized I had to take to take that role.”

As her sister’s condition worsened, Roberto realized she would have to step up in her role as caregiver.

“I had to take the lead – the big sister instead of the little sister, so it’s the story of those last few months and her actual passing.”

Roberto is convinced that once you start reading the book you won’t be able to put it down.

They are at least seven Alberta women in the book, as well as those from the UK, Europe, India, the U.S. and from across Canada.

The launch of the book took place in San Francisco on May 16.

Ignite Your Life will be a series of books. Following volumes will include Ignite Your Life for Men, Ignite Your Love Life, Ignite Your Life for Parenting, Ignite Your Life for Female Leaders and Ignite Your Life for Cancer Survivors. Roberto will also have stories in the female leaders and for parenting editions.

There will also be an Ignite Your Life for Persons Over 50, which will come out in the fall. Roberto isn’t sure what the title will be for that book.

Copies of Ignite Your Life for Women will be available at the Edson and District Chamber of Commerce office and in downtown Edson through two yet to be named merchants. The book (paperback) can also be purchased through Amazon for $27. A Kinder version will also be available. Part of the proceeds from the book will go to women’s charities, said Roberto.

“The Galloway Station Museum has me scheduled to do a reading at Culture Days,” said Roberto.

Meanwhile, anyone who has an interesting story should contact the Ignite Your Life website for possible future publishing at igniteyou.life.